Larry: “It was December 24, we were at her house, and I had already asked her dad---which made me nervous. I wasn’t exactly afraid of him, but I had a great deal of respect for him, and I knew he loved his daughter. She and I had dated for 5 years, but we hadn’t really talked about marriage. I waited until I thought the moment was right and we were alone. After all, she might have said no, and I didn’t want an audience. [*laughs*] Then I got down on a knee and asked if she would consider being my wife. She said yes. We celebrated our 50th anniversary on May 6. It’s been a wonderful life, but you have to work at a marriage. You have to work at it every day, and both of you have to give 100%. You have to forgive and forget. She’s had to forgive me of a lot more than I have her. It helped that we had a common faith, always prayed together, and had a good church family. Of course there have been bumps in the road. Everybody has bumps. We went through job loss, raising teenagers, and years of watching our nickels and dimes. I worked for a typewriter repair business when we first started out, and I’d go through the grocery store holding a calculator while she put things in the basket and I added them. I think what I’ve always loved most about her is her sweet spirit. She is so kind, smiles all the time, and is as pretty today as she was the first time I saw her. When we were young and dating, we ate out at Pete and Sam’s a lot, so on our anniversary we went there again, this time with our children and their families.”
Kay: “I would do it all over again. Absolutely. I just love him so much. We tell each other that we love each other every day. He’s so kind and thoughtful, has a good sense of humor, and was such a good father to the kids. On the morning of our 50th anniversary, he read me a poem he had written, and I have it framed now so I can see it every day. He’s my best friend, and I guess I’m his best friend too. It’s been a great ride!”
Kay: “I would do it all over again. Absolutely. I just love him so much. We tell each other that we love each other every day. He’s so kind and thoughtful, has a good sense of humor, and was such a good father to the kids. On the morning of our 50th anniversary, he read me a poem he had written, and I have it framed now so I can see it every day. He’s my best friend, and I guess I’m his best friend too. It’s been a great ride!”
Happy Fiftieth Anniversary
50 Years is a long, long time, but just a short while in my mind.
You caught my eye from the start and continues now until death we depart.
Our church was a good place to meet. You were so cute and so very sweet.
What you saw in me, I don’t understand. I get misty just holding your hand.
Some said it wouldn’t last long. And now we have proved them all wrong.
We had some bumpy roads at times. We had to watch our nickels and dimes.
I see our marriage in three parts together. Each one better than the other.
From when there was just the two of us. Now to go anywhere, we need a bus.
We took some time to learn one another and build our love and faith together
We decided to add to our family. Two sons brought joy to you and me.
Now they are married with families. With children building memories.
They call us Mimi and Pop. Our family, like a pedestal, we put on top.
You are still the apple of my eye. I always watch you as you walk by.
I am thankful for you every day. The Lord has blessed me in every way.
I love you more after 50 years. We have shared some laughs and even tears.
Thank you for being my wife. You have made me have a wonderful life.
How much do I love you, let me be exact.
I love you to the moon and back!
By Larry Arick – May 6, 2016
50 Years is a long, long time, but just a short while in my mind.
You caught my eye from the start and continues now until death we depart.
Our church was a good place to meet. You were so cute and so very sweet.
What you saw in me, I don’t understand. I get misty just holding your hand.
Some said it wouldn’t last long. And now we have proved them all wrong.
We had some bumpy roads at times. We had to watch our nickels and dimes.
I see our marriage in three parts together. Each one better than the other.
From when there was just the two of us. Now to go anywhere, we need a bus.
We took some time to learn one another and build our love and faith together
We decided to add to our family. Two sons brought joy to you and me.
Now they are married with families. With children building memories.
They call us Mimi and Pop. Our family, like a pedestal, we put on top.
You are still the apple of my eye. I always watch you as you walk by.
I am thankful for you every day. The Lord has blessed me in every way.
I love you more after 50 years. We have shared some laughs and even tears.
Thank you for being my wife. You have made me have a wonderful life.
How much do I love you, let me be exact.
I love you to the moon and back!
By Larry Arick – May 6, 2016
"Our song has always been 'Misty' by Johnny Mathis," says Larry.
Larry is Director of Advancement at Harding School of Theology. Kay is the Resident Services Coordinator at Kirby Pines Retirement Community.
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